A Quiet Wesak

This is probably the first time in many years that we have missed the annual Wesak celebrations.  It so happens that Wesak Day this year (May 5th) coincides with Mum's dialysis day.  In addition, she suddenly developed chronic tummy pains which required her to be warded for investigation.  She was naturally very upset and disappointed as such festivals are very important to her but even she had to admit that her health comes first.

In between hospital visits, I managed to stop by the Phor Tay temple for prayers.  As is customary every year, they have a small statue of the Buddha for devotees to bathe.

Many of my non-Buddhist friends often ask me why we bathe the Buddha, not that he needs a bath!!  The significance of pouring water over the Buddha is to rid ourselves of our bad qualities or defilements (to use a stronger word!) such as anger, greed, hatred, lust, etc.  As we bathe the Buddha, we should sincerely pray for purification of our defilements and also for peace and harmony in the whole world.

Coming back to Mum.  A CT scan showed that she had an abscess in a muscle on her back which the Doc said was probably the cause of the pains in her tummy.  It had to be removed.

As I am writing this, I am waiting for Mum outside the treatment room,  I'm biting into a bun to calm my nerves, at the same time keeping my fingers tightly crossed!